An important skill in today\u2019s global economy is intercultural communicative citizenship (ICC), part of which is appreciation and encouragement to work toward social justice and equity. World language and culture courses represent the perfect context in which to develop or deepen students\u2019 interdisciplinary ICC, since learning a new language means coming to appreciate, understand and participate in a new world vision expressed through that language. While languages link in important ways to the land – as indigenous peoples continue to teach us through land and language reclamation efforts – for many, a specific world vision can also be conjured through that language in any place in the world. Through a study of a language and \u201cits\u201d place(s), students become aware of a very modern tension: how \u201cliving in a language\u201d today often is, but often cannot solely be, place-bound.<\/p>\n
Since 2021 Dr. Marisa Trubiano<\/a>, Associate Professor of Italian<\/a>, and Dr. AJ Kelton<\/a>, Director of the CHSS Digital Co-Lab<\/a>, have been collaborating on a unique research project. The Digital CoLab team has created and manages a learning experience module on the free software program ArcGIS StoryMap, and each semester, together they measure how students use ArcGIS storymapping: 1) to map out their self-identities and experiences and to understand those of others; 2) to become more attuned to and appreciative of diverse transnational linguistic and cultural experiences and 3) to become effective digital story-mappers and -tellers in both the target language of Italian and in English. Drs. Trubiano and Kelton assess the changes in students\u2019 reflections about new spaces in which languages and people merge, at a time when social isolation is more pronounced than ever.<\/p>\n This project also seeks to enrich the conversation around language learning technology. Effective digital storytelling and data visualization are skills that can enhance a student\u2019s ICC by breaking down perceived barriers and understanding the dynamics of peoples\u2019 and languacultures\u2019 merging in virtual and physical piazze. Students enhance both their global fluency and their digital fluency through this mapping work.<\/p>\n Anonymous student surveys reveal that students\u2019 appreciation for the linguistic diversity of their class generally increases due to this project and their peers\u2019 presentations. In addition, their responses reflect a heightened awareness for links between languages, place, and individual and community identity formation.<\/p>\n Below are some StoryMaps from ITAL 102 section 01, Spring 2024. They are remarkable for their authors\u2019 heartfelt stories and visual recreations of linguistic, cultural and personal experiences in specific places important to each of them.<\/p>\n Anxhelina Banushi: Il mio posto preferito: Sono nata in Albania e ci vado d\u2019estate con la mia famiglia. Per me \u00e8 il paese pi\u00f9 magico d\u2019Europa.<\/a><\/p>\n Liana Nativo: Un Luogo Importante: Santa Maria Di Castellabate, Italia<\/a><\/p>\n Melissa Motta Lopez: Un Luogo Importante: Colombia<\/a><\/p>\n